Should You Book A Telemedicine or Office Visit?

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While all six of our allergy centers are open to care for your allergy and immunology needs, there are times when it may be more beneficial to book a telemedicine appointment instead of an office visit. The allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers want to make your appointment as safe and convenient as possible. If you meet the criteria below, book a telemedicine appointment with one of our allergy specialists. 

When to Book A Telemedicine Appointment

If you are at a higher risk of having complications after contracting the coronavirus, book a telemedicine appointment instead of an office visit. A high-risk patient includes older adults (aged 65 or older) and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, obesity or diabetes). The CDC recommends that high-risk patients stay home and avoid contact with people outside of their immediate household when possible.

If you have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, it’s best to stay home and seek care via telemedicine. For questions about your future treatment plan and/or medications, you can speak with one of our allergists from your computer or mobile device. 

For medication refills, you can book a telemedicine appointment. Be sure to have your treatment plan available and pharmacy information available. We may also ask for verification of your insurance. 

For a review of future allergy care including allergy shots, we can help you through a telemedicine visit. Whether you just need a consultation or review of your treatment plan, our staff is available to answer all of your questions regarding your allergy care.

To determine if you are a candidate to have the IgG antibody serology test for SARS-CoV- 2, book a telemedicine appointment. An IgG antibody serology blood test has been authorized by the FDA under a EUA for use by authorized laboratories. These tests are for detecting past infection with SARS-CoV-2. After your telemedicine appointment, you will be given a requisition prescription to go to a lab to have a SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody serology test done. Once we get the results back electronically from the lab, we will reach out to review your results with you. Results are usually back within 24-48 hours from the lab. Call our office today for more information. 

When to Book An Office Visit

To continue your allergy shots, visit one of our offices. You must wear a face mask to be seen in our office. We’ve implemented a COVID-19 specific protocol that includes instrument disinfection, rearranged waiting rooms to allow for greater social distancing, thorough surface cleaning, and exam room sanitizing between patients. We will get you in and out of our office quickly to minimize your exposure to others.

If you are in need of a new allergy test, book an office visit today. Be sure to bring your insurance card to your appointment and refrain from taking antihistamines for at least 48 hours before your appointment. We cannot perform allergy testing if you have taken antihistamines. 

For an asthma or sinusitis diagnosis, you must book an office visit. Many asthma diagnoses require a lung function test. To confirm a sinusitis diagnosis, we may need to take a sinus x-ray. You can book an appointment online or call our office today to schedule your appointment.

To inquire about a sleep study and treatment for sleep apnea, visit our office today to determine your candidacy. During your visit, our allergists will craft a custom-fitted oral sleep appliance to treat your sleep apnea.

If you still aren’t sure whether you should book a telemedicine appointment or office visit, call our allergy experts today at (212) 686-4448.